Ince: Youth Tie Will Be Acid Test

Paul Ince believes that an FA Youth Cup tie against Liverpool will be an 'acid test' for The Seasiders' high-flying youth team.

The former Reds' midfielder will be a keen spectator at Bloomfield Road tomorrow night, as Richie Kyle's side go up against the three-time winners of the competition.

With Blackpool currently sitting top of the North West Youth Alliance after a fine start to the season, Ince has been quick to credit Kyle for his influence on the youth set-up.

"It will be a good acid test for them," he said. "I think Richie has done a great job to be fair. He's come in not just as a manager and a coach but he's also sorted out the EPPP and got everything organised. I was on my A Licence with Richie so I know what he's capable of doing.

"Getting Richie in and working with Ciaran and John Murphy has got them to have that structured, professional mentality. They're top of the table by five points and they're winning games."

Having the first-team manager watching on will no doubt bring added emphasis, with many of the youngsters looking to make an impression, in an effort to be awarded professional terms with the club.

"Richie knows, and I've told him, that the most important thing is to develop one or two players for me. The problem I have is that because there's no under-21s, it's a big gap to make that jump," Ince continued. "If there's one or two that he can develop then it'll be great.

"It's important for me to show an interest and I get a lot of fun out of watching kids, especially the youth team when they're doing so well," he added.

Admission to the game, which kicks-off at 7pm tomorrow, is free to season ticket holders, with entry for non-season ticket holders priced at £4 for Adults and £2 for Concessions.